Christian Trumpet Artist David O'Neill of Scottsdale, Arizona
Christian Trumpet artist David O'Neill was born in Meriden, Connecticut. David O'Neill actually started playing drums in the young Marines. David got board playing rudiments on a rubber pad and saw someone leaning against the wall playing a trumpet and it just hit his spirit. Recalls David, "I knew what it would feel like before I ever played one note. I asked him what to do. He explained that I needed to buzz my lips and blow air into the mouthpiece. I took his trumpet and played clear clean notes right away. I knew from that moment that I would play trumpet for the rest of my life. It was truly a gift from God!"
"I cut my teeth listening to Rafael Mendez and gypsy violin players. Because I didn't really listen to many trumpet players, I developed my own sound and tone quality, which has worked well as a soloist. I had several great teachers in spite of me not really paying attention. Ray Mase, Roger Murtha, Armando Ghitalla were my first teachers. I also had the privilege to study trumpet with Ed Shiner for six months which really jumped my playing up a few notches."
While in high school, David played first chair All State Orchestra all 4 years, as well as in the McDonalds All American Band. He did a European tour with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra the summer of his junior year.
David began his solo trumpet work as a competing trumpet player in the Connecticut Fife and Drum Corp. and won his first state championship at the age of 12. David stayed undefeated in these competitions for the next five years retiring his title with 92 gold medals and holding the state championships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.
David was accepted at both The Hartt College of Music and The New England Conservatory; however, being somewhat of a rebel at the time, he opted to hit the road as a working musician then joined the United States Marine Corp.
David has performed at the White House as well as with Ron Kenoly, Sandi Patti, Larnell Harris, Dave Boyer, Al Denson, Michael McDonald, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, B. B. King and Dionne Warwick. David had a change of life and became a Christian and launched a gospel music career as a soloist and has been in the ministry ever since.
Relates David, "While studying with Ed Shiner in Pittsburg, PA, I had the opportunity to meet Doc Severinsen. When I got the news that I was going to meet Doc, I put on my best three piece suit, shinned my shoes and set out for the Stanly Theater. As I walked in back stage, Doc walked over to me wearing cut off jean shorts, flip flops, and a "I love Hawaii" T-shirt. He looked at me and asked "who died man?" I've worn jeans a lot since then !!!
Trumpet teacher Ed Shiner taught me "The Balance Method" of practicing. Rather than holding your trumpet the conventional way, with your left hand gripping the valves, you balance the trumpet on your left hand preventing any grip or pulling. This forces you to blow with more velocity and not break down your chops by pulling in. I would recommend that everyone try this.
Relates David, "I invented a device called the BuzzzMaster, which allows you to warm up anywhere without your instrument. You get the same resistance that you do with the instrument using the BuzzzMaster. You can warm up in your car, backstage, virtually anywhere without your trumpet. I am also a P.E.T.E Distributer and Warburton Mouthpiece Consultant. P.E.T.E. or (personal embouchure training exerciser) is a phenomenal isometric exercise that truly builds your endurance and range. Both of these products can be found at www.BuzzzMaster.com
